Please explain.
Full Version: Ask An Atheist Anything.
I have a question, what do you believe is the origin of the universe and life?
Please explain.
Please explain.
QUOTE(Peanups @ Apr 10 2008, 10:39 PM) 
I have a question, what do you believe is the origin of the universe and life?
Universe: no origin, analytically (see semi-explanation below)
Life: abiogensis, by natural phenomena (see Urey-Miller experiment)
There was a similar inquiry a page or two back:
QUOTE(NoSex @ Mar 12 2008, 05:33 PM)
The universe is the totality of all existence, this includes the temporal dimension. If you are going to propose that the universe have a beginning, a "creation," you're going to be committing an embarrassing absurdity. You are requiring that the the universe fall on a temporal scale that doesn't even exist without the universe itself. You are requiring that the universe not exist unless it is created which would entail the application of a temporal scale (for the universe to have been created, there must have been a time in which it did not exist), but the temporal scale you are imposing upon this supposed "creation of the universe" does not even exist without the universe itself.
Further, if you can't see the immediate inadequacy of the cosmological argument, you seriously have no place posting anything here. The cosmological argument begins with the idea that if something is to exist it must be caused. However, the argument then denies that very premise in its conclusion of an uncaused causer. If you're going to require that anything that exists must be "created" then you also must require your god to have been created (and the creator of your god to have been created, and the creator of the creator of your god to have been created, ad infinitum). And, lastly, you realize your "explanation" is just a seemingly clever jumble of meaningless words? What the f**k does it mean to have a "god create the universe?" How the f**k is that an actual explanation when it doesn't, in any form of demonstration, actually inform us to the phenomena of existence? In fact, such an "explanation" actually poses more questions and further complicates the issues (needlessly). Do I seriously have to invoke Occam's Razor?
Further, if you can't see the immediate inadequacy of the cosmological argument, you seriously have no place posting anything here. The cosmological argument begins with the idea that if something is to exist it must be caused. However, the argument then denies that very premise in its conclusion of an uncaused causer. If you're going to require that anything that exists must be "created" then you also must require your god to have been created (and the creator of your god to have been created, and the creator of the creator of your god to have been created, ad infinitum). And, lastly, you realize your "explanation" is just a seemingly clever jumble of meaningless words? What the f**k does it mean to have a "god create the universe?" How the f**k is that an actual explanation when it doesn't, in any form of demonstration, actually inform us to the phenomena of existence? In fact, such an "explanation" actually poses more questions and further complicates the issues (needlessly). Do I seriously have to invoke Occam's Razor?
QUOTE(NoSex @ Nov 30 2007, 01:55 AM)
1. I don't think being an atheist is "hard."
2. If I were afraid of discrimination why would I be so vocal about my atheism? (you people can't have your cake and eat it too)
3. Some people feel passionate about their atheism, and some people feel passionate about their theism - I encourage both parties to speak about them as such. They're important, interesting, and effecting philosophies and ideas. A dialogue is very useful.
4. My character and personality is not what America has been polled on. It's true; atheists are the most hated minority in the U.S. Read the statistics I posted.
5. How about we stop talking about my character as it is irrelevant to the issues at hand here? Unless we're desperately interested in me as opposed to more philosophically poignant ideas? Someone said something about high school and immaturity?
6. Apparently atheism is a point of interest to some people here - if you don't feel like engaging in the discussion, maybe you shouldn't?
7. You don't have to have a clearly defined "winner" in order to have a debate. Such a condition just isn't a requirement. In fact, I would argue the most interesting debates are of such a variety - without deductive end.
8. Yeah, you don't like me, we get it. So, if no one is supposed to care about my "one-sided opinions" why do you assume I'll care about yours? This is an online forum - it's an open discussion. People can freely engage or not, you don't have to be anyone's parent.
Jeesh.
2. If I were afraid of discrimination why would I be so vocal about my atheism? (you people can't have your cake and eat it too)
3. Some people feel passionate about their atheism, and some people feel passionate about their theism - I encourage both parties to speak about them as such. They're important, interesting, and effecting philosophies and ideas. A dialogue is very useful.
4. My character and personality is not what America has been polled on. It's true; atheists are the most hated minority in the U.S. Read the statistics I posted.
5. How about we stop talking about my character as it is irrelevant to the issues at hand here? Unless we're desperately interested in me as opposed to more philosophically poignant ideas? Someone said something about high school and immaturity?
6. Apparently atheism is a point of interest to some people here - if you don't feel like engaging in the discussion, maybe you shouldn't?
7. You don't have to have a clearly defined "winner" in order to have a debate. Such a condition just isn't a requirement. In fact, I would argue the most interesting debates are of such a variety - without deductive end.
8. Yeah, you don't like me, we get it. So, if no one is supposed to care about my "one-sided opinions" why do you assume I'll care about yours? This is an online forum - it's an open discussion. People can freely engage or not, you don't have to be anyone's parent.
Jeesh.
i have no real questions...bc i could care less about either situation...but i do have to say iv never met a more educated atheist than ur self..im impressed. thats all.
QUOTE(NoSex @ Apr 10 2008, 11:54 PM)
Universe: no origin, analytically (see semi-explanation below)
Life: abiogensis, by natural phenomena (see Urey-Miller experiment)
There was a similar inquiry a page or two back:
Life: abiogensis, by natural phenomena (see Urey-Miller experiment)
There was a similar inquiry a page or two back:
Aren't these answers just from your point of view?... so then what same questions we ask another atheist... their answer will just simply be different? Which kinda sucks in a sense when tryin to understand an atheist, because nothin really is concrete then. Right or no?
Also just out my curiosity, I see that one of your favorite books is Animal Farm... which I like as well. What's your perspective on it? Is there anything you can think of that could be possibly comparative to this world or even just America in general?
Of course every person's answer will be different. Like we've been trying to tell you for ages, all "atheist" means is someone who does not believe in a god. There is absolutely nothing else attached to it. That's all you need to understand about atheists...it's not complicated at all. If you want to know what a certain person thinks, you should ask them.
QUOTE(ersatz @ Apr 19 2008, 02:21 AM)
Of course every person's answer will be different. Like we've been trying to tell you for ages, all "atheist" means is someone who does not believe in a god. There is absolutely nothing else attached to it. That's all you need to understand about atheists...it's not complicated at all. If you want to know what a certain person thinks, you should ask them.
But then what's the point of asking an Atheist anything if that's just coming from a specific point of view.. or perspective. Nothin's concrete, the thread's topic should simply read, "Ask Nathan/NoSex Anything".
What's the point of asking anyone anything? What kind of a question is that?
To understand, of course...and his name is Nathaniel.
To understand, of course...and his name is Nathaniel.
QUOTE(ersatz @ Apr 20 2008, 04:46 PM)
What's the point of asking anyone anything? What kind of a question is that?
To understand, of course...and his name is Nathaniel.
To understand, of course...and his name is Nathaniel.
Again...
What's the point of asking an Atheist anything if that's just coming from a specific point of view.
Is it to understand their personal views? It can't be too general as you guys have said, atheism has no creed... no specific standard.
Cuz if that's the case... then uh, well I guess we should ask EVERY atheist the same exact question and they can all answer separately.
For example, Nathan believes in polyamory, this isn't an "Atheist way of life" it's his personal way of life. And whatever opinion he has about polyamory is going to be his own personal perspective. So "asking an atheist anything" isn't anything more than a personal point of view.
Simply put it's not a point of view as a whole group, unless they like the point of view and they can easily change their belief. So nothing is concrete in atheism. Nor in this whole thread. Other than, "atheist don't believe in God(s)", that's the only thing that's concrete here.
i don't really get what your arguing. wouldn't there be the same problem if this was called ask a theist anything. it would be what the specific poster thought about what he was being asked. it mostly likely wouldn't be a universal concrete answer that works for everyone in the world who believes in a god.
you're asking nate so you're going to get his take on it. if someone asks you they are going to get your point of view. that's how it goes isn't it? idk this seems irrelevant, everyone has opinions about everything when it comes to these matters.
you're asking nate so you're going to get his take on it. if someone asks you they are going to get your point of view. that's how it goes isn't it? idk this seems irrelevant, everyone has opinions about everything when it comes to these matters.
QUOTE(brooklyneast05 @ Apr 21 2008, 01:02 PM)
i don't really get what your arguing. wouldn't there be the same problem if this was called ask a theist anything. it would be what the specific poster thought about what he was being asked. it mostly likely wouldn't be a universal concrete answer that works for everyone in the world who believes in a god.
you're asking nate so you're going to get his take on it. if someone asks you they are going to get your point of view. that's how it goes isn't it? idk this seems irrelevant, everyone has opinions about everything when it comes to these matters.
you're asking nate so you're going to get his take on it. if someone asks you they are going to get your point of view. that's how it goes isn't it? idk this seems irrelevant, everyone has opinions about everything when it comes to these matters.
Yeah... when I was gettin answers from him, I was assuming that this was the mentality of all atheists, but in fact it was just his own personal opinions.
QUOTE(illmortal @ Apr 21 2008, 10:30 AM)
Yeah... when I was gettin answers from him, I was assuming that this was the mentality of all atheists, but in fact it was just his own personal opinions.
Well that was a pretty ignorant thing to assume. You can't just stereotype a whole group of people from just opinions of one person in that specific group. Not everyone in a certain group have the same opinions, thoughts, and actions.
QUOTE(Tungster @ Apr 21 2008, 01:37 PM)
Well that was a pretty ignorant thing to assume. You can't just stereotype a whole group of people from just opinions of one person in that specific group. Not everyone in a certain group have the same opinions, thoughts, and actions.
Same with religious people, we both learned something here.
QUOTE(illmortal @ Apr 21 2008, 11:04 AM)
Same with religious people, we both learned something here.
Not really, I learned this a while back when I was much younger. But it's good that you finally learned something this morning.
I don't stereotype one person's actions for the whole speficic group. Like if a Mexican guy committed a crime, I don't stereotype all Mexicans as being criminals just because of one person. 
QUOTE(Tungster @ Apr 21 2008, 02:14 PM)
Not really, I learned this a while back when I was much younger. But it's good that you finally learned something this morning. I don't stereotype one person's actions for the whole speficic group. Like if a Mexican guy committed a crime, I don't stereotype all Mexicans as being criminals just because of one person.
I don't stereotype one person's actions for the whole speficic group. Like if a Mexican guy committed a crime, I don't stereotype all Mexicans as being criminals just because of one person. Didn't you agree that all mexican females look the same with their goofy make ups and eyebrows? ><
QUOTE(illmortal @ Apr 21 2008, 11:20 AM)
Didn't you agree that all mexican females look the same with their goofy make ups and eyebrows? ><
LOL? Uh no...? Where the hell did you get that from lmao.
I went to a highschool 80% mexicans, so I'm pretty sure I know not all latinas look alike.
QUOTE(Tungster @ Apr 21 2008, 02:24 PM)
LOL? Uh no...? Where the hell did you get that from lmao. I went to a highschool 80% mexicans, so I'm pretty sure I know not all latinas look alike.
I went to a highschool 80% mexicans, so I'm pretty sure I know not all latinas look alike.k
WTF? Nate thinks that The Blair Witch Project is the best movie ever; that doesn't mean I do, but we're both atheists. No way! Preposterous!
That was the stupidest thing I've ever read. Why would every single atheist have the same opinion about everything and live his or her life the exact same way as the next atheist? How could you seriously think that? We're all different people.
That was the stupidest thing I've ever read. Why would every single atheist have the same opinion about everything and live his or her life the exact same way as the next atheist? How could you seriously think that? We're all different people.
QUOTE(ersatz @ Apr 21 2008, 06:38 PM)
WTF? Nate thinks that The Blair Witch Project is the best movie ever; that doesn't mean I do, but we're both atheists. No way! Preposterous!
That was the stupidest thing I've ever read. Why would every single atheist have the same opinion about everything and live his or her life the exact same way as the next atheist? How could you seriously think that? We're all different people.
That was the stupidest thing I've ever read. Why would every single atheist have the same opinion about everything and live his or her life the exact same way as the next atheist? How could you seriously think that? We're all different people.
Not to that extent... give me a break.
No. No one gets breaks.
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